What a year that was...
2014 saw the final part of my EPIC nine-book series reaching the shelves, and there was much rejoicing. It was a bit of a scramble to get it written in time, as it generally is, but this book achieved everything I wanted it to achieve, and so I remain immensely proud of it. The ninth book, and the events that transpire within it, had been a secret I'd been keeping for seven years, and it was such a relief to get it out there. Sure, I didn't tie up every last plot thread — in some cases I just ran out of time, in others I decided to be mean and simply not resolve stuff — but it was a fitting send-off, I think.
The publication saw another astonishing Tom Percival cover, plus a very limited black edition which, as it turned out, was an extraordinarily clever bit of marketing by yours truly. It meant that the excitement that first morning was ELECTRIC as everyone rushed to search through each shop. That wasn't my original intent — I just wanted a cool black book — but to follow the tweets that morning as each copy got snapped up... that was awesome.
The reaction to the book was exactly what I wanted, also. True, there was some confusion over the chapters that ended mid-sentence, but all in all, readers understood what I was doing. And then to catch you all out right at the end....
... glorious...
The Dying of the Light got me back touring, of course, and we fit in the Requiem Ball and the Theatre of Shadows, and I once again visited New Zealand and Australia and met loads of enthusiastic readers. If ever my ego was in need of a boost...
And then I got home, and got to work on the NEW book.
FIRST!!!
ReplyDeleteDerek might i just say that you are my favorite writer and I miss Skulduggery Pleasant dearly. It has actually made a difference to my life, so thank you Golden God. Thank you
asdfghjkl
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read the new book, Derek. What's it gonna be called so I can keep an eye out for it?
ReplyDeletegreat year by the way
(Hello...)
ReplyDelete(Derek finally!)
ReplyDelete(Hello.)
ReplyDelete(*cuddles Soph* mind adopting sil2?)
ReplyDeleteFinally!!!-Zaf
ReplyDelete(*cuddles Silente back* It is up to you.)
ReplyDelete(Okay. Sil..Chi needs her. Sil2 can continue with Beth for a while.)
ReplyDelete(Hey Zaf.)
ReplyDelete(Where did we get to with the roleplay?)
ReplyDelete*sits between the cots, head in hands*
ReplyDeleteIt'll be okay. You'll be okay.
Chi: *doesn't want to leave his side*
ReplyDelete*Smiles at memories, her, blake and the twins at the lake playing*
That can never happen again... *keeps crying*
*shakes her head*
No...no it can happen again...
*Laughs*
*Has completely lost her mind*
We'll go to the beach again, won't we? *kisses his dead lips*
(I'm actually close to crying right now, this is way too sad...)
(SilTC had just said 'Good.' To being told she wasn't overstepping the welcome.)
ReplyDelete(Oh my..Chi has gone insane.)
ReplyDelete*gets back up, pacing again*
She can do this. Be an only mother...I-if she has people to help her...your mummy, she'll come back..she'll help you.
Liliana: You two are always welcome here. Provided you do not want to kill me, that is.
ReplyDeleteBethany: ... Thank you?
Sil2: We probably won't want to kill you. At least not unless something goes remarkably wrong.
ReplyDelete(Hey Kas.)
ReplyDeleteLiliana: Wrong? Such as?
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to see what will happen with the new book.
ReplyDelete*sits down and curls up* -Zaf
ReplyDeleteSil2: *shrugs* you kill one of us first.
ReplyDelete(Hey.)
ReplyDelete*hugs Zaffy*
Happy New Year's Eve, guys!
Chi: *Takes his hand and stands up*
ReplyDeleteLet's go back to the twins now, Blakey... They'll be wanting their mummy and daddy back...
*Starts climbing the stairs*
*Looks back at Blake, he's just turned around, his head leaving a blood trail*
Blakey...why don't you stand up? come on...we need to go back to the twins now...
*He doesn't move or say anything*
Baby...?
*Starts crying again*
Blakey...*falls to her knees, hugging the corpse*
Run?
ReplyDelete*sits down again, lookinh first at Lira then at Lucas*
ReplyDelete*quietly*
At least you don't understand yet..so young..but is that a blessing or a curse..
Chi: *Sits on the ground, next to Blake's body*
ReplyDelete*There is blood all over her dress*
*Puts Blake's head on her lap, holding it close*
Help...me...S-somebody help...- *through tears and gasps*
HELP! *breaks down again*
*cant hear*
ReplyDelete*she's too far away*
Shes taking so long..but she needs to grieve..
Bethany: Or get Minerve to kidnap us.
ReplyDeleteLiliana: I... I'm sorry. I didn't know... Minerve will be here in a matter of minutes...
Bethany: *reaches for her spear*
What?!
ReplyDelete*reaches for the sword, groaning when she remembers she left it in that things body*
Idiot
(So much for that sistersense)
ReplyDeleteChi: No one's coming Blakey... I guess it'll just be me and you for eternity...*creates an ice dagger* We could be matching...perfectly together...even in death...*tears cover her cheeks* We said forever and always...remember...? *plunges the ice dagger into her head*
(AHHH THATS NOT GOOD!)
ReplyDelete*frowns as the link from Chi's blood cuts out*
*pales*
NO!
*jumps up, calling Chi*
(Auntie Sil will look after the twins)
ReplyDeleteLiliana: I'm joking! Joking. I swear, I'm joking. *laughs* You're too much fun to give to Minerve.
ReplyDelete(Auntie Sil doesn't know a damn thing about babies! And sister Jaimie better not be getting deserted..)
ReplyDelete*no answer*
Craps craps crap
*has no idea where the cave IS*
*looks At the twins*
Nononononononononononononono!
*glares*
ReplyDeleteHmph.
*Chi and Blake lay on the ground of the cave, hand and hand in a pool of blood*
ReplyDelete(Sil: Flies! Flies! Dropping like flies!
ReplyDeleteSwords and daggers and wolves and knives!
Flies! Flies! Dropping like flies!
People taking people lives!
Flies! Flies! Dropping like flies!
They cant be dead STOP WITH THESE LIES!
Flies! Flies! Dropping like flies!
Swarm forth bees of death from hives!)
*drops to her haunches, covering her head*
ReplyDeleteNononononononononononononononono
Bethany: ... That was cruel.
ReplyDeleteLiliana: I hardly claim to be nice.
Chi: *Eyes flutter open* N-no! h-heal...him...
ReplyDelete*curls up tight in a corner, hyperventilating*
ReplyDeleteSil2: *hugs Beth, shooting a glare Lil's way*
*Watches silently from the edges of the room, a sad look on its transparent face*
ReplyDelete(*wonders which room said ghostly figure is in*)
ReplyDeleteChi: XAN YOU IDIOT! *screams and looks down at Blake* Y-you...have to heal him...*falls over, is dizzy from blood loss*
ReplyDelete*struggles to get her breathing under control, fighting the lump in her throat*
ReplyDelete*calmes down slightly, shaking, tracing the blood link that's suddenly reappeared*
Bethany: *hugs her back*
ReplyDeleteLiliana: When one is not in bed, one must find other ways to amuse oneself.
Sil2 : One should stop referring to ones self as one for it makes one sound stuck up.
ReplyDeleteChi: *sits in Silence* I can't live without him...*Looks up at him* You need to kill me.
ReplyDelete*Zanida stands just watching, her hands shaking. She had discovered a lot in the past few days, and she wasn't ready to even talk about it.*
ReplyDeleteZanida: Thor? Anyone?
*breathes and lifts the twins gently, curling up on Chi's bed and drawing them close*
ReplyDeleteLiliana: Stuck up? Stuck up what?
ReplyDeleteSil2: stuck up. As in vain and self serv- oh wait that is you in general.
ReplyDelete*smirks*
*Glides gently to Chione, and kneels in front of her. It cups her face gently, its hand passing through her skin. A single word emanates from its form*
ReplyDeleteNo.
*Vanishes, a single transparent tear running down his cheek*
Zanida: Blake Soul.....*eyes widen*
ReplyDeleteLiliana: Of course. There is no fun in being all humble.
ReplyDeleteSil2: *raises an eyebrow* Maybe.
ReplyDeleteChi: *Shakes Itherael off forcefully* Don't touch me! Silente can take care of the twins. They don't need me...they need us both. What use will I be?! I can't be without him...I-I can't... *screams again and icicles come out from her body, all over the cave but somehow avoiding Blake's body*
ReplyDelete*looks at the vodka and the ice cream*
ReplyDelete*gently gets up, careful not to wake the youngsters*
*hides the vodka in a portal and starts drinking the ice cream with a spoon*
Bethany: I could never be vain... Modesty is in my nature.
ReplyDeleteLiliana: And that is your loss.
(I will be back soon.)
ReplyDelete(Okay.)
ReplyDeleteSil2m Vanity leads to errors..
Chi: I won't! you can't make me!
ReplyDeleteI'm not leaving my husband *continues crying* I won't leave him...
(Hello, Xan.
ReplyDelete*glances at Jai*
*has to leave*
*will be on later until very late in the morning*)
*watches the twins sleeping*
ReplyDelete*pulls a blanket over them both*
((*remembers that fight with Blake that he never got to finish*
ReplyDelete*remembers that date with Sil that never finished either*
...))
(@Kas you can finish the date one day..)
ReplyDelete(You can't finish the fight with Blake though.)
ReplyDelete*jumps, confused as to the appearance and disappearance*
ReplyDelete*looks at Chi in her blood dress*
Oh Chi..
*sighs and straightens her spine*
Come on.
*picks Chi up, carrying her to the bath room*
*moves all the razors away*
*Lays limp in Sil's arms*
ReplyDelete*carrys her and gently lays her in the bath*
ReplyDeleteSorry about this..
*carefully strips away the bloodied clothes and fills the sink with warm soapy water*
*grabs a sponge*
Again...Sorry...
*awkwardly starts cleaning the blood away from her skin, trying not to look too much, blushing rather a lot*
(*cough*notawkwardatall*cough*)
ReplyDelete(Well Sil, there isn't much I can do. I'm knocked out...)
ReplyDelete(Stop being knocked out. *nods wisely*)
ReplyDelete*keeps awkwardly cleaning her, stripping away the remainder of her clothes*
*sponges her completely then grabs a jug*
*fills the jug and supports her neck and head, running the water through her hair*
*washes and conditions the hair then scrubs under her nails to get the blood out*
*roots around for a towel*
Chi: *Wakes up naked and in water*
ReplyDelete*Looks around and panics*
*Sees Sil, sees all the blood gone, sees she's in her house*
Where's Blake?! Where did he take him?! *stands up and falls out of the bath, a murderous look in her eyes*
Chi!
ReplyDelete*catches her quickly with a towel*
*steadied her to her feet, wrapping the towel around her*
Don't worry...he's safe..
(Sorry brother was talking to me.)
ReplyDeleteChi: No! I need to see Blakey! *Screams, waking up the twins and tries to get out of Silente's grasp*
ReplyDelete*winces as the twins wake up and tightens her hold*
ReplyDeleteChi calm down! I promise you Blake is safe but you need to calm down please!
Chi: Get the hell off of me! Where is he Silente?! *Kicks her to the other side of the bathroom and makes a long black dress appear over her* Where. Is. He?
ReplyDeleteOof
ReplyDelete*winces as she hits the wall, getting up, rubbing her head*
Nice kick..and dress..he's safe Chi. Trust me Chi..
(*gonna presume your WiFi died...?)
ReplyDelete(No...Just...)
ReplyDeleteChi: *Lifts off the ground slightly*
*Rushes towards her and grabs her throat*
*Roars*
WHERE IS HE?!
(*cuddles* okay.)
ReplyDelete*chokes, scrabbling at her fingers*
Chi...
(I am back.)
ReplyDeleteLiliana: How so?
(Welcome back.)
ReplyDeleteSil2: by over estimating your ability to do something.
Liliana: Or it can be an asset, having confidence in yourself.
ReplyDeleteBethany: I trust myself to do as well as I can... I just don't really think highly of myself.
Chi: *Her eyes turn Black*
ReplyDeleteYes, sister?
Sil2: I suppose it depends on how you look at it..
ReplyDelete*starts going red, gasping, trying desperately to get Chi's fingers off without hurting her*
ReplyDeletePlease..
Chi: *Her voice changes and Chi allows Hecate to take her over*
ReplyDeleteHecate: Hello, Silente. It's been a while since I've been allowed to play. *Cuts into her throat slightly*
Now tell me where Blake is.
*coughs, choking, starting to go purple, eyes popping and slightly bloodshot turning*
ReplyDeleteSt....p...
Liliana: It does indeed.
ReplyDeleteSil2: Do you think there'll be any attacks today?
ReplyDeleteH - *Takes her hand away*
ReplyDeleteChi - Fine, i'll find him myself. Or destroy the world trying to.
*Turns into a shadow and slinks out of the window*
Chi!
ReplyDelete*tries to grab her*
The angel took him!
Chi: *Turns to her as she's going out* Thanks, sis. Look after the little devils for me. *vanishes*
ReplyDeleteLiliana: Possibly. Minerve will not give up easily.
ReplyDeleteBethany: I hope she just leaves us alone...
(I will be back soon.)
Chi!
ReplyDelete*stares, panting*
No..
*scrambles to her feet, looking around*
Chi! Come back!
*quietly*
I need you..
(Okay Soph.)
ReplyDeleteSil2: it'd be nice.
*Starts to hunt for Ithereal*
ReplyDelete*stands up and silently walks into the bedroom*
ReplyDelete*curls up between the twins, cuddling them*
Shh...I-it's okay...she'll come back...she wouldn't leave you..
*sits up, cradling them*
ReplyDeleteI mean...she might leave me...but not you..ever..
And...she does love you...her and d-daddy..
ReplyDelete*chokes up slightly*
But daddy's gone...a-and mummy...needs some time to think...
*swallows, if she could cry, she would be*
ReplyDeleteAnd...and so I-I'm gonna have to...try look after you..
*laughs and shakes her head*
Well...I'll try not to let you die...I-I have some bad people...after me...
(Hey Adam)
ReplyDeleteI have had only two glasses of champagne and I'm getting the giggles and I can't wipe a small smile from my face and I love you, Jai.
ReplyDelete(O_O)
ReplyDeleteOh....*vanishes* -Zaf
ReplyDeleteZafira why are you vanishing?
ReplyDeleteJai why are your eyes in brackets?
I feel weird.
Am I being embarrassing? To myself? Am I embarrassing myself?
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry.
I am such a bitch. How do you guys even put up with me?
ReplyDeleteUgh never mind...
(Sorry. Random Chinese food appeared so I ate it..)
ReplyDeleteFood is good.
ReplyDelete(Food is good. Food brought by parents who weren't expected back until TOMORROW is even better :)
ReplyDelete(I am back.)
ReplyDeleteBethany: It definitely would...
Liliana: I do not mind either way.
Sil2: * rolls eyes*
ReplyDeleteCourse you don't Lil..
Nothing....-Zaf
ReplyDelete(*huggles Zaffy*)
ReplyDeleteLiliana: Entertainment is entertainment.
ReplyDeleteSil2: Mmm. Maybe. Althought if you ask me, some are better than other.
ReplyDelete(*also hugs Zaffy*)
ReplyDelete(I have my tablet charged for once so... *waves*)
ReplyDelete(*cuddles Gem Gem*)
ReplyDelete(Hello, Gem!
ReplyDeleteVampires ooh...)
(*wonders where Tanya's picture went..*)
ReplyDeleteLiliana: Of course. That is very, very true. I may go and make myself some breakfast.
ReplyDeleteSil2: Okay. Go ahead. Beth are you wanting breakfast?
ReplyDelete(Everything is so blurry, but ok, I'll try putting a picture here.)
ReplyDelete(*sighs* I don't know what to do now that he's gone to be honest... I've gone back into depression...)
ReplyDelete(*editing*)
ReplyDelete(Gem, try finding help for depression.)
ReplyDelete*huggles* -Zaf
ReplyDelete(@GemGem don't be depressed..
ReplyDeleteI realise its not as easy as that. But..I'm here for you..Okay?)
(*hugs Zaffy tiredly*)
ReplyDeleteBethany: I'm fine, I think. Do you want breakfast?
ReplyDeleteLiliana: *nods and walks out of the bedroom, going downstairs*
(No one is ever here for me...not really...I'm always alone which is one reason why I'm depressed.
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm always alone. We don't have to be alone.
ReplyDelete(I have Adam but he lives so far away...)
ReplyDelete(I try to be here for you..)
ReplyDeleteI'm fine.
Bethany: *smiles and snuggles against her* Liliana is here so... we could go back to bed?
ReplyDeleteSure.
ReplyDelete*smiles and pulls her over to the bed*
(You are that far away...and it costs too much to do every week)
ReplyDelete(Time skip?)
ReplyDelete(I've no idea how far away I am physically.
ReplyDelete:/)
(Time skip.)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for a great year Derek!!! Incredible books, fantastic events, AWESOME tours (Aussie Aussie Aussie!). Thank you, you're amazing.
ReplyDeleteBethany: *smiles, cuddling into her*
ReplyDeleteChi: *lurks in the shadows of the forest, watching for the angel who stole her beloved husband from her*
ReplyDeleteSil2: *holds her close*
ReplyDelete(Soph do you mind if I try merge Sil with Sil2? Bring the story lines together?)
(How would that work?)
ReplyDeleteBethany: *kisses her passionately* Thank you...
(Sil2 would go off. Then that'd like with Sil going to Chi's house? And then Sil would call Beth?)
ReplyDeleteSil2: *kisses her passionately back* you're welcome.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWe can be alone together or together together.
ReplyDelete(I would rather keep them separated until an opportunity arises which will not discredit the roleplay, if that is acceptable.)
ReplyDeleteBethany: I much prefer it with just us two...
(Okay.)
ReplyDeleteSil2: *smiles*
So do I...But if someone doesn't please Lil then she might try find another pet..I have to protect my friends..
Chi: *sees Ithereal*
ReplyDelete*appears out of a shadow behind him* what are you doing with my husband?
* curls around the twins, trying to sleep, to pretend she doesn't feel like her heart was put in a mortar and pestle*
ReplyDelete*quietly singing, half to the sleeping duo, half to nothing*
Bethany: ... So you're just doing these things with her to stop her from getting another pet? How about talking to her?
ReplyDeleteI don't know you, but I want you
ReplyDeleteAll the more for that
Words fall through me and always fool me
And I can't react
And games that never amount
To more than they're meant
Will play themselves out
Falling slowly, eyes that know me
And I can't go back
The moods that take me and erase me
And I'm painted black
Chi: I'm not going to bury him. *sends hundreds of shadows towards the angel*
ReplyDelete(*hugs Adra if she wishes to be hugged, if not then acknowledges her existence*)
ReplyDeleteSil2: *shakes head*
It's fine.
(Hello Adra)
ReplyDeleteBethany: ... I don't want to be doing these things if that's your reason...
ReplyDeleteSil2: it's also cause I like the time with you..
ReplyDeleteFINALLY DEREK!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou have made me one upset minion for the past FIVE DAYS, did you realize that?!
That post on the 17th shouldn't have counted as a Christmas post! It was the SEVENTEENTH FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!
But HI!!! AND THANK YOU FOR POSTING AGAIN!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR DEREK!!!!
*goes to read the post*
*poofs*
Bethany: But you could have time with me regardless... We should probably tell her... And make sure that she won't hurt anyone...
ReplyDeleteSil2: *nuzzles her neck*
ReplyDeleteOnly if you want to.
Bethany: And now I don't know what you want... Do you want to stop or not?
ReplyDeleteSil2: I want whatever you want Beth..
ReplyDeleteI used to pray to recover you.
ReplyDeleteAch, du.
I was ten when they buried you.
At twenty I tried to die
And get back, back, back to you.
Bethany: I think I'd like to stop... If that's alright... It's a little too much for me...
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to Derek and to all you Skuttlebugs. And yes, it was a fitting send-off.
ReplyDeleteBring on the new book.
*stumbles into Blogland, holding onto bite and stab wounds. Blood gushing and dripping all over the place.
ReplyDeleteLooks confused, out of breath and covered in bruises. Doesn't know where he is.*
HELP!!! HELP ME PLEASE!!!
*trips over a stone and hits the ground hard causing a wound to open up, blood oozing again, crying out in agony.*
Sil2: *smiles* that's fine Beth.
ReplyDelete*kisses her gently*
Anything for you.
MrBBWolf: *trips over blue*
ReplyDeleteAhh! Oh hello.
*corrects his top hat*
Bethany: *kisses her back* *sighs* I don't know... Please tell me what you want... Not what I want... What you actually want.
ReplyDelete...
ReplyDeleteGoodbye.
Sil2: I dont mind. I want you, Beth.
ReplyDelete(Goodbye Adrasdos.)
ReplyDeleteBethany: Are your two reasons for wanting to involve Liliana to stop her making someone else her pet and because you like spending time with me?
ReplyDeleteSil2: maybe
ReplyDelete(Happy New Year.)
HAPPY NEW YEAR BITCHES!!!!!
ReplyDelete(just kidding bout the bitches bit )
Bethany: Just tell me... Please.
ReplyDelete(Indeed. To you, also.)
Sil2: *kisses her gently*
ReplyDeleteI want you. And I'd rather not share you..
Happy New Year, Jai!
ReplyDeleteAnd non-Jai!
Happy New Year, everybody!
HAPPY NEW YEAR BITCHES!!!!!!!
ReplyDelete(just kidding bout the bitches part.....)
(Happy new year!)
ReplyDeleteChi: What? Does my husband deserve to be buried 6 ft under ground, allowed to rot? No. He does not deserve that.
(Any resolutions?)
ReplyDeleteBethany: *kisses her back* Then I will tell Liliana.
ReplyDeleteSil2: Okay. I'll help?
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year guys!!!
ReplyDeleteYOU TOO, DEREK!
Bethany: *nods* We should get dressed... *starts to put on her clothes again*
ReplyDelete*realizes she still has her dress pic*
ReplyDeleteOops.
*goes to change it*
*smiles and pulls on underwear, then knives, then clothes*
ReplyDelete(I'm astonished that no-one has commented/told me to shut up about my drinking.
ReplyDeleteUgh.
It's not good.
Don't drink, guys!
Resolutions, no.
Wishes for a certain group of individuals, yes.
Bethany: *puts on her armour, smiling* I love you, Silente.
ReplyDelete(I will be back soon.)
I don't really like liquer anyway... Or just alcohol in general.
ReplyDeleteI don't actually have a resolution. I'm going to have to think about it.
How is everyone?
(Okay Soph. (she won't be back *rolls eyes*))
ReplyDeleteSil2: I love you too Beth..
(@Kas relax. Get a drink. Eat something.)